Power saving remote sensor system and methods

ABSTRACT

The present sensor device, system and method provides tools for measuring, recording local environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, and wirelessly transmitting the collected data to a server. The sensor device is configured to, under normal operation, maintain the connection between the wireless network interface controller and the wireless local network so that various commands and/or communications can be received, whether the sensor device is in a low power mode or in an active mode. The sensor device cycles between the low power mode and the active mode, and back to the low power mode. Where in each active mode cycle, the sensor device is configured to acquire a measurement from sensor for storage in local memory, and/or transmit historical data acquired to the server, and/or check for updates by connecting to the server. By normally remaining in a low power mode and only waking periodically to conduct a task, battery life is greatly extended.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally to wirelessremotely located sensors for sensing physical properties, such astemperature, humidity, light, motion, leaks, and other similar localenvironmental conditions.

By way of background, many facilities must measure and record localenvironmental conditions at particular areas within the facility oroutside the facility, such as temperature, humidity, and the like. Infacilities such as hospitals, there is a legal requirement to maintain arecord of the local environmental conditions data collected for eachdesignated measurement point, for example, in each patient room, thewaiting room, at various points in the halls, and at other pointscompliant with the law. Due to the expense and difficulty of runningpower and data lines to each designated measurement point, the devicesgenerally must be wireless (e.g., connected to the internet, localintranet, or other form of radio communications) and powered by battery.Due to the power requirements of a wireless system, the batteries canquickly drain, requiring continuous change and periods of noncompliance.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide sensor devices and systems andmethods for use thereof, configured to reduce battery consumption.

Aspects of the present disclosed subject matter fulfill these needs andprovide further related advantages as described in the followingsummary.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in constructionand use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below. Thepresent disclosed subject matter solves the problems described above byproviding, in some embodiments, a sensor device configured to connect toa wireless local network comprising a sensor configured to measure alocal environmental condition, a memory, a wireless network interfacecontroller; and a hardware processor that, when executing computerexecutable instructions stored in the memory. The hardware processor isprogrammed to maintain a connection between the wireless networkinterface controller and the wireless local network in both a low powermode and an active mode; maintain the low power mode until a wakecommand is received, wherein the sensor, memory, and the hardwareprocessor are configured to be transitioned from the low power mode tothe active mode; receive the wake command, wherein, in the active mode,the sensor measures the local environmental condition and writes a firstdata point within a first dataset recorded in the memory; receive a lowpower command, wherein the sensor, memory, and the hardware processortransition from the active mode to the low power mode; receive the wakecommand, wherein, in the active mode, the wireless network interfacecontroller is in data communication with the server; transmit the firstdataset to the server and write the first dataset to a main datasetrecorded in a database associated with the server; receive the low powercommand; and transition to low power mode.

In one or more optional embodiments, the sensor device further comprisesa battery power source providing power to the sensor, the memory, thewireless network interface controller, and hardware processor.

In one or more optional embodiments, the sensor device, after the firstdata point is collected and before the wake command is receivedimmediately prior to the first dataset being transmitted to the server,is further programmed to receive the wake command upon the elapse of anacquisition time interval, the acquisition time interval governing thetime between each data acquisition cycle, the data acquisition cyclecomprising the transition from the low power mode to the active modewhere data is collected and stored and back to the low power mode, andwherein the elapse of the acquisition time interval triggers the wakecommand; detect the local environmental condition by the sensor; write asecond data point within the first data set recorded in the memory;receive the low power command; and transition to the low power mode,until one or both the elapse of the acquisition time interval and thereceipt of the wake command unrelated to the acquisition time interval.

In one or more optional embodiments, the sensor device, after thedataset is transmitted to the server and the low power command isreceived thereafter, is further programmed to write a plurality of datapoints to the memory, the plurality of data points being collected whilein the active mode by the sensor and written within a second datasetrecorded in the memory over the course of a plurality of dataacquisition cycles.

In one or more optional embodiments, the sensor device is furtherprogrammed to receive the wake command upon the elapse of a transmittime interval, the transmit time interval governing the time betweeneach data transmit cycle, wherein the elapse of the acquisition timeinterval triggers the wake command; transmit the second dataset to theserver and write the second dataset to a main dataset recorded in adatabase associated with the server; receive the low power command; andtransition to low power mode.

In one or more optional embodiments, the wake command is triggered byone or more of the elapse of a time period and a command received froman external source via the wireless network interface controller.Further, as an option, the low power mode configurable as one or more ofa sleep mode, a standby mode, a low power run mode, a low power sleepmode, and a stop mode.

In one or more optional embodiments, a thermostat is connected to thewireless local network, and the sensor device is further programmed totransmit one or both of the first data point and the first dataset tothe thermostat.

In one or more optional embodiments, a user device is in datacommunication with the wireless network interface controller, whereinthe user device is connected to the wireless local network or to theserver, and the sensor device is further programmed to receive a commandfrom the user device, the command comprising one or both of aconfiguration and a firmware update. As a further option, the commandfurther comprises the wake command. As yet another option, the firstdataset further comprises one or more of a unique sensor device name, asensor device location, a data point collection time, a temperature datapoint, a humidity data point, a light intensity data point, a lightdetection data point, a motion detection data point, a leak detectiondata point, a sound detection data point. In another optionalembodiment, the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, a light sensor, a leak sensor, a sound sensor, and amotion sensor.

In one or more optional embodiments, the sensor device is furtherprogrammed to perform a firmware update check during the active modewhen in data communication with the server, wherein the frequency of thefirmware update check is determined by one or both of a firmware updateinterval and an update command received from the server or a userdevice.

The present disclosed subject matter solves the problems described aboveby providing, in some embodiments, a method for lowering powerconsumption in a sensor device, the method comprising the steps ofproviding the sensor device comprising a sensor, a battery power source,a wireless network interface controller, a memory, and a hardwareprocessor; maintaining a connection between the wireless networkinterface controller and a wireless local network in both a low powermode and an active mode; maintaining the low power mode until a wakecommand is received, wherein the sensor, memory, and the hardwareprocessor are configured to be transitioned from the low power mode tothe active mode upon receipt of the wake command; receiving the wakecommand; transitioning to the active mode; performing a first dataacquisition cycle, the first data acquisition cycle comprising the stepsof: measuring, by the sensor, the local environmental condition; andwriting, to the memory, a first data point within a first dataset, firstdata point associated with a first measurement of the localenvironmental condition; receiving a low power command, wherein thesensor, memory, and the hardware processor transition from the activemode to the low power mode; receiving the wake command; transitioning tothe active mode, wherein in the active mode, the wireless networkinterface controller is in data communication with the server;communicating the first dataset to a server and writing the firstdataset to a main dataset stored in a database associated with theserver; receiving the low power command; and transitioning to low powermode.

In one or more optional embodiments, after measuring the first datapoint and before receiving the wake command immediately prior tocommunicating first dataset to the server, the steps further comprisereceiving the wake command upon the elapse of an acquisition timeinterval, the acquisition time interval governing the time between eachdata acquisition cycle, the data acquisition cycle comprisingtransitioning from the low power mode to the active mode where data iscollected and stored and back to the low power mode, and wherein theelapse of the acquisition time interval triggers the wake command;transitioning to the active mode; performing a second data acquisitioncycle, the second data acquisition cycle comprising the steps of:measuring, by the sensor, the local environmental condition; writing, tothe memory, a second data point within the first dataset, first datapoint associated with a first measurement of the local environmentalcondition; receiving the low power command; transitioning to the lowpower mode; and remaining in the low power mode until one or both theelapse of the acquisition time interval and the receipt of the wakecommand unrelated to the acquisition time interval.

In one or more optional embodiments, the steps further compriseperforming a plurality of data acquisition cycles to acquire and writeto the memory a plurality of data points to a second dataset. Also, inone or more optional embodiments, the steps further comprise receivingthe wake command upon the elapse of a transmit time interval, thetransmit time interval governing the time between each data transmitcycle, wherein the elapse of the acquisition time interval triggers thewake command; communicating the second dataset to the server and writingthe second dataset to a main dataset recorded in the database associatedwith the server; receiving the low power command; and transitioning tolow power mode. Additionally, in one or more optional embodiments, thewake command is triggered by one or more of the elapse of a time periodand a command received from an external source via the wireless networkinterface controller. Further, in one or more optional embodiments, thelow power mode configurable as one or more of a sleep mode, a standbymode, a low power run mode, a low power sleep mode, and a stop mode. Inone or more optional embodiments, a thermostat is connected to thewireless local network, and the steps further comprise transmitting oneor both of the first data point and the first dataset to the thermostat.

In one or more optional embodiments, a user device is in datacommunication with the wireless network interface controller, and thesteps further comprise connecting the user device to the sensor devicethrough the wireless local network or to the server; and receiving acommand, from the user device, the command comprising one or both of aconfiguration and a firmware update. Additionally, in one or moreoptional embodiments, the command further comprises the wake command.Further, in one or more optional embodiments, the first dataset furthercomprises one or more of a unique sensor device name, a sensor devicelocation, a data point collection time, a temperature data point, and ahumidity data point. Also, in one or more optional embodiments, thesensor comprises one or both of a temperature sensor and a humiditysensor.

In one or more optional embodiments, the steps further compriseperforming a firmware update check during the active mode when in datacommunication with the server, wherein the frequency of the firmwareupdate check is determined by one or both of a firmware update intervaland an update command received from the server or a user device.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention.In such drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an illustrative system suitable forimplementation of mechanisms described herein for conserving power in asensor device that measures and records local environmental conditionsand wirelessly transmits the collected data to a server in accordancewith some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a sensor device that can be used inthe system of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a process for measuring and recording localenvironmental conditions, and wirelessly transmitting the collected datato the server is shown in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 4 shows an example of a process for measuring and recording localenvironmental conditions, and wirelessly transmitting the collected datato the server is shown in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the inventionin at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further definedin detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspectsof the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in differentfigures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements,or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with theappended drawings are intended as a description of embodiments of theinvention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsset forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structuresand steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In some embodiments, the present device, system and methods providestools for measuring, recording local environmental conditions (e.g., thephysical properties of the environment, including the atmosphericconditions and other surrounding conditions), and wirelesslytransmitting the collected data to a server. Although specific examplesof sensors are illustrated herein, such as temperature and humidity, thepresent device is not limited to the exemplary sensors, and can includeany appropriate sensor capable of measuring desired physical property ofthe surrounding environment. The present sensor device is compact insize and powered by a battery power source (e.g., a lithium-ion battery,a dry cell battery, and the like, for example, two disposable orrechargeable AA or AAA batteries may be used, depending on the power andspace requirements of the application and/or the sensor device). Thesensor device further includes a sensor that measures localenvironmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, moisture (e.g.,detection of the presence of water due to a leak), light, sound motion(and/or other measurable conditions, appropriate for the application), awireless network interface controller (e.g., a Wi-Fi chipset and/ormodule, a BLUETOOTH chipset and/or modules, and/or other communicationsinterface appropriate for the application), a memory, and a hardwareprocessor for executing the firmware and/or software to operate thesensor device within the system.

In some embodiments, the sensor device is configured to, under normaloperation, maintain the connection between the wireless networkinterface controller and the wireless local network so that variouscommands and/or communications can be received, whether the sensordevice is in a low power mode or in an active mode. The sensor devicecycles between the low power mode (which is, in one or more embodiments,the normal mode of operation) and the active mode, and back to the lowpower mode. In some embodiments, the sensor device is configured with anacquisition time interval, which determines the time period(s) betweensuccessive active modes in which the sensor measures the localenvironmental conditions at a given sensor position and at a given time(measured in seconds or in clock time, etc.) and records the data in thememory. Further, in some embodiments, the sensor device is configuredwith a transmit time interval, which determines the time period(s)between successive active modes in which the collected data istransmitted to the server for long term storage and to provide access torecent and/or historical data from a client device, such as asmartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or other electronic device which canestablish communication with the server. Moreover, in some embodiments,the sensor device is configured with a firmware update interval, whichdetermines the time period(s) between successive active modes in which afirmware update check is performed by the sensor device with one or boththe user device and the server.

Of course, in some embodiments, instead of a time period beingindividually set for each of the acquisition time interval, the transmittime interval, and the firmware update interval, the time periods may bederived from one of the time intervals. For example, the transmit timeinterval is configured to occur every n acquisition time intervals(where n can be any number, e.g., 10, 20, 30, and so on) and/or thefirmware update interval is configured to occur every n′ acquisitiontime intervals (where n′ can be any number, e.g., 1440, 2880, and so on)and/or the firmware update interval is configured to occur every n″transmit time intervals (where n″ can be any number, e.g., 288, 144, andso on). Additionally, in a single active mode occurrence, one or morefunctions may be carried out, such as one or more of a sensormeasurement, a data transmission, an update check, and other pendingcommand that has been queued in the server and/or the user device (orother client computer).

Turning to FIG. 1, an example network or system 20 of hardware formeasuring, recording local environmental conditions, and wirelesslytransmitting the collected data that can be used in accordance with someembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown. As illustrated,the hardware can include a sensor device 22, one or more servers 24, oneor more user devices 26, and/or an optional thermostat, which can beomitted in one or more embodiments.

Computer networks are well known in the art, often having one or moreIoT devices (such as the present sensor device 22) one or more userdevices and one or more servers, on which any of the methods and systemsof various disclosed embodiments may be implemented. In particular oneor more the sensor device 22, the server 24, and/or the user device 26may represent any of the computer systems and physical componentsnecessary to perform the computerized methods discussed in connectionwith the present figures and, in particular, may represent a server(cloud, array, etc.), client, or other computer system upon whiche-commerce servers, websites, databases, web browsers and/or webanalytic applications may be instantiated.

The optional illustrated exemplary server 24 and user device 26 aregenerally known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and each mayinclude a processor, a bus for communicating information, a main memorycoupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by the processor and for storing temporary variables or otherintermediate information during the execution of instructions byprocessor, a static storage device or other non-transitory computerreadable medium for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor, and a storage device, such as a hard disk, may also beprovided and coupled to the bus for storing information andinstructions. The server 24 and user device 26 may optionally be coupledto a display for displaying information. However, in the case of theserver 24, such a display may not be present and all administration ofthe server may be via remote clients. Further, the server 24 and userdevice 26 may optionally include connection to an input device forcommunicating information and command selections to the processor, suchas a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, and the like.

Any suitable computer readable media can be used for storinginstructions for performing the present functions and/or processes. Forexample, computer readable media can be transitory or non-transitory.Non-transitory computer readable media can include media such asmagnetic media (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, and/or any othersuitable magnetic media), optical media (e.g., compact discs, digitalvideo discs, Blu-ray discs, and/or any other suitable optical media),semiconductor media (e.g., flash memory, electrically programmableread-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory,and/or any other suitable semiconductor media), any suitable media thatis not fleeting or devoid of any semblance of permanence duringtransmission, and/or any suitable tangible media. As another example,transitory computer readable media can include signals on networks, inwires, conductors, optical fibers, circuits, any suitable media that isfleeting and devoid of any semblance of permanence during transmission,and/or any suitable intangible media.

Looking also at FIG. 2, the sensor device 22 is schematicallyillustrated and comprises a hardware processor 24 a bus 28 forcommunicating information, memory 26 coupled to the bus 28 for storinginformation and instructions to be executed by the processor 24 and forstoring temporary variables or other intermediate information during theexecution of instructions by the processor 24, an input devicecontroller 30 in data communication with one or more sensors 36, and acommunications interface 34 coupled to an antenna 38. The sensor 36 canbe any number of sensors, including but not limited to temperaturesensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, oxygen sensors,carbon monoxide sensors, light intensity and detection sensors, leakdetection sensors, sound sensor, motion sensor, or any other appropriatesensor that detects and measures local environmental conditions (e.g.,analytical measurements) so that the measurement data can transmitted toa server or other computing means for storage and/or further analysisand/or computations.

In some embodiments, the sensors may be analog or digital, where ananalog sensor interface signal is converted to digital with an optionalanalog to digital converter. Although, this is generally unnecessary,due to the ability to select digital sensors in most, if not all, cases.In one example, a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor, athermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, an integrated circuittemperature sensor, or other appropriate temperature sensor) produces adigital signal in response to a temperature sensed within or outside theenclosure of the sensor device 22 (where vents at strategic portions ofthe enclosure permit air to enter and come into detectible range of thesensor). The signal also may be converted to the appropriate digitalsignal by a conditioning chip.

In some embodiments, for each measurement acquired through the sensor, adata point is saved in memory within a dataset. As the memory within thesensor device 22 is limited, prior datasets are permitted to beoverwritten once those datasets have been uploaded to the server. Thedata points are stored in dataset files (e.g., a tab-delimited textformat or other appropriate file format which may be standard orproprietary format), generally, as numbers which can represent a voltageor current reading or may be converted by the hardware processor 24 to atemperature reading and/or a humidity reading, etc., which are stored asdata points within the dataset. Generally, the conversion occursremotely, within the server 24 or the user device 26, as power processorconsumption is not an issue. The user device 26 presents the data withina graphical user interface, with the option of displaying the currentdetected temperature, the set temperature, historic temperatures (e.g.,in a line graph or other easily understood graphical or numeric mannerappropriate for quick communication of the multiple points of data).

The graphical user interface (not illustrated, although it can beinstalled as an “app” on a smartphone and/or a standard softwareapplication installed on a laptop, desktop, or other computing device)provides, in some embodiments, the ability to update the firmware orupdate/change any one of the settings on the sensor device (e.g., a pushupdate, or similar command). The user device 26 can be directlyconnected to the sensor device 22 (e.g., via a wireless BLUETOOTHconnection or the like, connected through a common wireless access pointor network, through a secure internet connection, and/or a wired dataconnection, or other appropriate connection means) or connected throughthe server 24. Access to long-term historic data is only being permittedthrough connection to the server 24, in some embodiments. After thefirmware update is received by the sensor device (either from a commandreceived from the user device 26 and/or the server 24 or from ascheduled update check performed by the sensor device 22), the sensordevice installs the update and restarts, if necessary.

It should be noted that communication between the sensor device 22, theserver 24, and user device 30 (and, optionally, the thermostat 30) maybe achieved using any wired- or wireless-based communication protocol(or combination of protocols) now known or later developed. As such, thepresent invention should not be read as being limited to any oneparticular type of communication protocol, even though certain exemplaryprotocols may be mentioned herein for illustrative purposes. It shouldalso be noted that the servers and devices are intended to include anytype of computing or electronic device now known or later developed,such as desktop computers, mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers,tablet computers, virtual reality systems, personal data assistants,gaming devices, POS systems, vending machines, unattended terminals,access control devices, point of interaction (“POI”) systems, etc.

The communication interface 34 is coupled to the bus, for providingtwo-way, wired and/or wireless data communication to and from the serverand/or client computers. For example, the communications interface maysend and receive signals via a local area network, public network,intranet, private network (e.g., a VPN), or other network, including theInternet.

In the present illustrated example, the hard drive of the server 24(including optional third party servers and/or mobile app backendservice, and the like) and/or the user device 26 and/or the sensordevice 22 can be encoded with executable instructions, that whenexecuted by a processor cause the processor to perform acts as describedin the methods of the figures and description. The server 24communicates through the Internet, intranet, or other network with theuser device 26 to cause information and/or graphics to be displayed onthe screen (display of the user device or other screen associated withany part of the system 20), such as HTML code, text, images, and thelike, sound to be emitted from the speakers, etc. The server 24 may hosta URL site with information and media, which may be accessed by the userdevice 26. Information transmitted to the server 24 (such as temperatureand humidity data) may be stored and manipulated according to themethods described below, using the software encoded on one or more ofthe sensor device 22, the server 24, and the user device 26. Althoughthe computing devices are illustrated schematically, the computingdevices may include laptops, desktops, tablets, cellular devices (e.g.,smart phones, such as iOS devices, ANDROID devices, WINDOWS devices, andthe like), or any other computing device now known or later developed.

Still looking at FIG. 1, the user devices 26 may be one of manyavailable computing devices capable of running executable programsand/or a browser instance. For example, it may be a mobile device, suchas a tablet computer or a mobile phone device with computercapabilities, a laptop, a desktop, or other computing device. Executableinstructions for the present method may be installed on one or more ofthe sensor device 22, the server 24, and the user device 26 that hosts aweb application caused to display a graphical user interface on the userdevice 26. In some example embodiments, the user device 26 accesses andinteract with the graphical user interface through a web browserinstance, such as FIREFOX, CHROME, SAFARI, INTERNET EXPLORER, and thelike, or through a desktop application or other application. The webapplication is hosted on a server with application hosting capabilities.In some example embodiments, the user device 26 can access and interactwith the graphical user interface through either a web applicationrunning on a mobile web browser or a mobile application (commonly calledan “app”).

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the server 24 shown as a singledevice, however the functions performed by the server 24 can beperformed using any suitable number of devices in one or more exampleembodiments. Further, in one or more example embodiments, multipledevices can be used to implement the functions performed by the server24. Likewise, in one or more example embodiments, the user device 26 maybe any number of suitable devices to accommodate access by multipleusers.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the system 20 furthercomprises a plurality of sensor devices 22, each of which can includeone or more sensors which are different from of similar to the sensorsof the other sensors devices 22 of the system 20. In someconfigurations, multiple sensor devices in the same general area areconnected to the same access point or are on the same network. In oneexample system 20, a first group of sensor devices 22 are connected to afirst wireless access point and a second group of sensor devices 22 areconnected to a second wireless access point, with the first wirelessaccess point and the second wireless access point being connected to thesame router or intranet or other suitable network. Each of the sensordevices should be capable of radio communications with the associatedaccess point or other point of internet connection, such as through aWi-Fi signal. Each of the sensor devices associated with the firstwireless access point are capable of individually maintaining aconnection to the first wireless access point for the purpose of wakingand transmitting data to the server 24.

In some embodiments, because there are multiple sensor devicesassociated with first wireless access point, each should be uniquelynamed to, at least, distinguish each from the other in a group or touniversally distinguish each from any other similar sensor device in theproduct line. Unique names within a group of sensor devices 22 can beestablished by a preset name or a later assigned named. In one examplesensor device 22, a series of dip switches which can be used to manuallyassign a sensor device number to each sensor within a small group ofsensor devices (e.g., less than 10 or 20 sensor devices within thegroup). In this way, when the dataset for each of the individually namedsensor device 22 within the first group is uploaded to the server 22database, the name, optionally, the group name of each sensor device isassociated with the data acquired and uploaded by that sensor device.Thus, each sensor device can be individually tracked and associated witha particular location within a facility (e.g., the dataset containsinformation that permits the software in the server 24 and/or the userdevice 26 to label the data with the location name, such as “Room 2258”or other conventional naming convention that is understandable by thelayman or the person expected to read the location name). This locationname can be presented as part of the graphical user interface, perhapseven using an image of a map with the location highlighted or similarvisual effect.

As discussed above, the present system 20 supports the energy efficientoperation of the sensor device 22 therein, by permitting the sensordevice 22 to enter a low power mode while maintaining a connection withthe local access point (or other local point of connection) even in lowpower mode. In some embodiments, many or all of the non-radio (e.g., notnecessary for radio communications) components and/or peripherals of thesensor device 22 are placed in low power mode. Depending on the designof the circuitry, software, and other requirements of the sensor device,the non-radio components and/or peripherals are placed in low powermode, while the wireless network interface controller (e.g., a Wi-Fimodule, Wi-Fi card, or other appropriate wireless controller) and anycircuitry necessary for its function is kept in the active mode. Lowpower mode can include any range of reduced power consumption, comparedto the active mode (e.g., fully powered), including a sleep mode, astandby mode, a low power run mode, a low power sleep mode, and a stopmode. In some embodiments, one or more components and/or peripherals maybe placed in differing low power modes (e.g., one component can beplaced in stop mode, while another component is placed in sleep mode, orother appropriate combinations according to the design requirements).

In some embodiments low power mode is the default state, until a wakecommand and/or event is received and/or generated. For example, in someembodiments, an internal timekeeping means (e.g., a real-timeclock-calendar or the like) can wake the components in low power mode ata predetermined or user-configured interval to permit a pending functionand/or command to be performed during the active mode. After the one ormore functions and/or commands have been executed or after a set timeperiod of active mode has elapsed, the woken components will return tothe low power mode until the next wake command and/or event is receivedand/or generated. This cycle of waking one or more components necessaryto perform a command, and then, placing one or more components to lowpower mode when not necessary, while keeping the wireless networkinterface controller sufficiently active and powered to consistentlyremain in data communication with at least part of the network (e.g.,the wireless access point or the like, using a TLS connection) continuesindefinitely, unless configured otherwise. In some embodiments,transport layer security (TLS) is used for mutual authentication (serverand client side) or one way (server side only).

Of course, if the wireless network interface controller becomesdisconnected from the access point inadvertently, attempts to reconnectwill be made periodically. An error code can be generated if the serverhas not been in data communication with one or more sensor devices 22for a predetermined period of time or attempts. If one sensor device ina group of sensor devices, connected to the same access point or networkis off line, one assumption could be that a particular sensor devicerequires servicing (e.g., replace dead batteries, replace components, orreplace entire unit, or other appropriate measure which can bedetermined by a trained technician). If the entire group of sensordevices is off line, one assumption could be that there is a networkand/or power issue with the network devices. In either case, if datacommunication is lost for a predetermined period of time, an alert canbe sent to the appropriate persons (e.g., appearing as an alert in thegraphical user interface).

As briefly discussed above, the sensor device 22 is cycled between anactive mode and a low power mode for various purposes, for example, toacquire and save one or more sensor readings, to upload data to theserver, to check for firmware updates, and/or to execute otherappropriate instructions pending. Once in the sensor device 22 is in theactive mode within a particular cycle, several functions can be carriedout within that cycle, before once again transitioning into low powermode once again. The time between cycles (of any sort) can be measuredby various methods, for example, the acquisition time interval (e.g.,the amount of time between two successive measurement cycles with atleast one low power mode enacted between) can be measured from thereceipt of a first wake command to the receipt of the second wakecommand for the purposes of acquiring and saving one or more sensorreadings or the time between two measurements or the time between anytwo points specified in the firmware, by the server, or by the user. Thetime interval may be set to, for example, every 30 seconds, every 1minute, every 90 seconds, or any other desired time interval.

Looking at the transmit time interval (e.g., the amount of time betweentwo successive transmit cycles with at least one low power mode enactedbetween, usually a plurality of low power modes), the time interval canbe set to a long interval to save energy or to a short interval if theuser desires more up-to-the-minute data to be available on the server 24or to an interval between short and long to balance the need for currentdata on the server 24 and the need to conserve battery life in thesensor device. The transmit time interval can be predetermined (e.g.,preset within the firmware) and/or configurable by the end user. Thetime interval may be set to, for example, every 5 minutes, every 10minutes, every 15 minutes, every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or anyother desired time interval. The long the interval, the longer thebattery life, which can vary from less than one year battery life forthe most frequent time intervals to over seven years for less frequenttime intervals. Depending on the configurations, the system design, andthe time interval, the battery may last more than eleven years.Alternatively, the transmit time interval can be derived from theacquisition time interval. For example, for a 1 minute acquisition timeinterval, the sensor device 22 can be instructed to transmit the sensordata, the sensor device name, and/or other pertinent data every 60acquisition time interval cycles (e.g., 60 data acquisition cycles,where 60 data points have been collected from a single sensor, such asthe temperature sensor). The dataset (e.g., the payload, which includessends historical data collected since the last transmission) is uploadedto the server at each transmit interval. If a transmission isinterrupted or missed, sending the historical data collected since thelast transmission with the last sensor reading allows data correctionand/or recovery of interrupted or missing data in the time series datastorage.

Looking at the update time interval (e.g., the amount of time betweentwo successive update cycles where a firmware update check can becompleted with at least one low power mode enacted between, usually amultiplicity of low power modes). The update time interval should be theleast frequent, as updates are generally infrequent. Generally, thefirmware update check (where the sensor device checks for updatecommands on the server) should not be an event separate from datatransmission. Thus, the update time interval can be set as a specifictime interval, such as every 24 hours, or the acquisition time intervalcan be derived from the transmit time interval. For example, the sensordevice 22 can be instructed to conduct an update check every 3,600transmit time interval cycles. In this way, the update check does notrequire substantial additional energy usage.

Turning to FIG. 3, an example of a process 40 for measuring andrecording local environmental conditions, and wirelessly transmittingthe collected data to the server is shown in accordance with someembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The process includes thesteps of maintaining a connection with a local wireless network atsubstantially all times, in both low power mode and active mode at 42.Of course, there may be times of disconnection due to various technicaldifficulties (e.g., disconnection from the Internet and/or localintranet, power issues, maintenance, etc.); however, the device 22, ifpossible, can, in some embodiments, periodically attempts to reconnectto the network and/or produces data or lack of data to alert of anoutage. Thus, the connection is maintained ideally 100% of the time, butmay be maintained up to 99% of the time, or up to 98% of the time, or upto 95% of the time, and so on. The device 22 is transitioned from a lowpower mode to an active mode upon receiving a wake command at 44. Whenin the active mode, the sensor(s) measures one or more environmentalconditions; and that data is saved to the device memory at 46. After alow power command is received, the device transitions from the activemode to the low power mode, again, maintaining a connection with thenetwork at 48. The device 22 is transitioned from a low power mode to anactive mode upon receiving a wake command at 50. Sensor data that hasbeen collected and saved to memory is transmitted to the server 24 andsaved to the database at 52. After a low power command is received, thedevice transitions from the active mode to the low power mode, again,maintaining a connection with the network at 54.

Turning to FIG. 4, an example of a process 56 for measuring andrecording local environmental conditions, and wirelessly transmittingthe collected data to the server is shown in accordance with someembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The example process 56illustrates the repeated cycle of transitioning between the active modeand the low power mode in order to save power, where the active mode isinitiated for the execution of specific tasks. The process includes thesteps of maintaining a connection with a local wireless network atsubstantially all times, in both low power mode and active mode at 58.The device 22 is transitioned from a low power mode to an active modeupon receiving a wake command at 60. In this example process 56, thedevice 22 receives a wake command at regular short intervals (e.g.,every 1 minute, every 2 minutes, or other appropriate time interval) forthe purpose of measuring one or more environmental conditions. While thedevice 22 is in the active mode, it is determined whether thetransmission time interval has elapsed (e.g., if, for example, a 24 hourtime interval has elapsed since the last transmission of data to theserver, which may be measured in the number of data acquisition cyclesor by clock time or by other appropriate cyclic means) at 62. If thetransmission time interval has elapsed, sensor data that has beencollected and saved to memory is transmitted to the server 24 and savedto the database at 64. Whether or not the transmission time interval haselapsed, the sensor(s) measures one or more environmental conditions;and that data is saved to the device memory at 66. The order oftransmitting data to the server and measuring environmental conditionsis generally unimportant, and may be switched. After a low power commandis received, the device transitions from the active mode to the lowpower mode, again, maintaining a connection with the network at 68.Thereafter, the connection with a local wireless network is maintainedat 58, and the cycle is repeated.

EXAMPLES

Below are several example options for the configuration and operation ofthe present sensor device 22 and system 20.

In a first example setup, the sensor device 22 is caused to fastreconnect from sleep utilizing TCP Tx and Rx ACK; provisioning (inSoftAP mode) by a mobile app and reboot; and save sensor name andtransmission interval. After provisioning, connect to access point andestablish a secure connection to the server 24 and save the current dateand time. Schedule the timer for periodic (normal) operation. Wake up,and read and save sensor readings with timestamp, then sleep for 1minute. If the transmission interval is reached, then send TCP UCencrypted using TLS with payload of historical sensor readings, and waitfor TCP ACK. Check for firmware upgrade every 24 hours, anddownload/reboot if there is a new firmware. Repeat the periodicoperation.

In a second example setup, the sensor device is caused to fast reconnectfrom Sleep utilizing UDP Tx only; provisioning (in SoftAP mode) by amobile app and reboot; and save sensor name and transmission interval.After provisioning, connect to access point and establish a secureconnection to the server 24 and save the current date and time. Scheduletimer for periodic (normal) operation. Wake up, and read and save sensorreadings with timestamp, then sleep for 1 minute. If the transmissioninterval is reached, send UDP UC encrypted using DTLS with payload ofhistorical sensor readings. Check for firmware upgrade every 24 hours,and download/reboot if there is a new firmware. Repeat the periodicoperation.

In a third example setup, the sensor device 22 is caused to fastreconnect from Sleep utilizing UDP Tx and Rx Ack w/CoAP; provisioning(in SoftAP mode) by a mobile app and reboot; and save sensor name andtransmission interval. After provisioning, connect to access point andestablish a secure connection to the server 24 and save the current dateand time. Schedule timer for periodic (normal) operation. Wake up, andread and save sensor readings with timestamp, then sleep for 1 minute.If the transmission interval is reached, then send UDP UC encrypted viaDTLS with payload of historical sensor readings, and wait for UDPResponse encrypted via DTLS. Check for firmware upgrade every 24 hours,and download and reboot if there is a new firmware. Repeat the periodicoperation.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular compound,composition, article, apparatus, methodology, protocol, and/or reagent,etc., described herein, unless expressly stated as such. In addition,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain changes,modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions andsub-combinations thereof can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claimshereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such changes,modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions andsub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the presentinvention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedembodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by theinvention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Use of the terms “may” or “can” in reference to an embodiment or aspectof an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of “maynot” or “cannot.” As such, if the present specification discloses thatan embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included aspart of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation orexclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that anembodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner,use of the term “optionally” in reference to an embodiment or aspect ofan embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment maybe included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not beincluded as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such anegative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based onwhether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited inthe claimed subject matter.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth thebroad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical rangesand values set forth in the specific examples are reported as preciselyas possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently containscertain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation foundin their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical rangesof values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar references used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Further, ordinal indicators—such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc.—for identified elements are used to distinguish between theelements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number ofsuch elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order ofsuch elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the presentinvention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventionotherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, theopen-ended transitional term “comprising”, variations thereof such as“comprise” and “comprises”, and equivalent open-ended transitionalphrases thereof like “including,” “containing” and “having”, encompassesall the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/orfeatures alone or in combination with unrecited subject matter; thenamed elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features areessential, but other unnamed elements, limitations, steps, integers,and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scopeof the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be furtherlimited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases“consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” (or variations thereofsuch as “consist of”, “consists of”, “consist essentially of”, and“consists essentially of”) in lieu of or as an amendment for“comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added peramendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludesany element, limitation, step, integer, or feature not expressly recitedin the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recitedelements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features and any otherelements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimedsubject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase“comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specificallyrecited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as anyoptional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-endedtransitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only includingthose elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or featuresspecifically recited in the claim whereas the meaning of theclosed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is beingdefined as only including those elements, limitations, steps, integers,and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements,limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do not materiallyaffect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subjectmatter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (andequivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within itsmeaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by theclosed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consistingessentially of.” As such embodiments described herein or so claimed withthe phrase “comprising” are expressly or inherently unambiguouslydescribed, enabled and supported herein for the phrases “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of.”

All patents, patent publications, and other references cited andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard is or should be construed as anadmission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate suchdisclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. Allstatements as to the date or representation as to the contents of thesedocuments is based on the information available to the applicant anddoes not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates orcontents of these documents.

Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely asshown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor device configured to connect to a wireless local network and measure a local environmental condition, the sensor device comprising: a sensor configured to measure the local environmental condition; a memory; a wireless network interface controller; and a hardware processor that, when executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory, is programmed to: maintain a connection between the wireless network interface controller and the wireless local network in both a low power mode and an active mode; maintain the low power mode until first wake command is received from a remote server, wherein the sensor, the memory, and the hardware processor are configured to be transitioned from the low power mode to the active mode; receive the first wake command from the remote server, wherein, in the active mode, the sensor measures the local environmental condition to collect a first data point and writes the first data point within a first dataset recorded in the memory; receive a low power command, wherein the sensor, the memory, and the hardware processor transition from the active mode to the low power mode after collecting the first data point; receive a second wake command from the remote server, wherein the second wake command is triggered upon elapse of an acquisition time interval, wherein the acquisition time interval governs the time between each data acquisition cycle, wherein, in the active mode, the wireless network interface controller is in data communication with the remote server; determine a transmit time by the hardware processor based on the acquisition time interval, the transmit time determined by an elapsed time since an immediately prior transmission of data to the remote server; determine if the transmit time exceeds a transmit time interval by the hardware processor; if the transmit time exceeds the transmit time interval, transmit the first dataset to the remote server; subsequent to transmitting the first dataset to the remote server, receive a second low power command; and transition to the low power mode after receiving the second low power command.
 2. The sensor device of claim 1 further comprising a battery power source providing power to the sensor, the memory, the wireless network interface controller, and the hardware processor.
 3. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein, after the first data point is collected and before the second wake command is received immediately prior to the first dataset being transmitted to the remote server, the hardware processor is further programmed to: detect the local environmental condition by the sensor; write a second data point within the first data set recorded in the memory; receive the low power command; and transition to the low power mode, until one or both the elapse of the acquisition time interval and a receipt of a wake command unrelated to the acquisition time interval.
 4. The sensor device of claim 3 wherein, after the dataset is transmitted to the remote server and the low power command is received thereafter, the hardware processor is further programmed to: write a plurality of data points to the memory, the plurality of data points being collected while in the active mode by the sensor and written within a second dataset recorded in the memory over the course of a plurality of data acquisition cycles.
 5. The sensor device of claim 4 wherein, the hardware processor is further programmed to: receive a third wake command upon the elapse of the transmit time interval, the transmit time interval governing the time between each data transmit cycle; and transmit the second dataset to the remote server and write the second dataset to the main dataset recorded in the database associated with the remote server.
 6. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein the second wake command is triggered by one or more of the elapse of a time period and a command received from an external source via the wireless network interface controller.
 7. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein the low power mode is configurable as one or more of a sleep mode, a standby mode, a low power run mode, a low power sleep mode, and a stop mode.
 8. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein a thermostat is connected to the wireless local network, the hardware processor is further programmed to: transmit one or both of the first data point and the first dataset to the thermostat.
 9. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein a user device is in data communication with the wireless network interface controller, wherein the user device is connected to the wireless local network or to the remote server, the hardware processor is further programmed to: receive a command from the user device, the command comprising one or both of a configuration and a firmware update.
 10. The sensor device of claim 9 wherein the command further comprises the second wake command.
 11. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein the first dataset further comprises one or more of a unique sensor device name, a sensor device location, a data point collection time, a temperature data point, a light intensity data point, a light detection data point, a motion detection data point, a leak detection data point, a sound detection data point, and a humidity data point.
 12. The sensor device of claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a leak sensor, a sound sensor, and a motion sensor.
 13. The sensor device of claim 1, the hardware processor is further programmed to: perform a firmware update check during the active mode when in data communication with the remote server, wherein the frequency of the firmware update check is determined by one or both of a firmware update interval and an update command received from the remote server or a user device.
 14. A method for lowering power consumption in a sensor device, the method comprising the steps of: providing the sensor device comprising a sensor, a battery power source, a wireless network interface controller, a memory, and a hardware processor; maintaining a connection between the wireless network interface controller and a wireless local network in both a low power mode and an active mode; maintaining the low power mode until first wake command is received, wherein the sensor, the memory, and the hardware processor are configured to be transitioned from the low power mode to the active mode upon receipt of the wake command; receiving the first wake command from a remote server; transitioning to the active mode; performing a first data acquisition cycle, the first data acquisition cycle comprising the steps of: measuring, by the sensor, a local environmental condition to collect a first data point; and writing, to the memory, the first data point within a first dataset, the first data point associated with a first measurement of the local environmental condition; receiving a low power command, wherein the sensor, the memory, and the hardware processor transition from the active mode to the low power mode after collecting the first data point; receiving a second wake command from the remote server wherein the second wake command is triggered upon elapse of an acquisition time interval, wherein the acquisition time interval governs the time between each data acquisition cycle; transitioning to the active mode, wherein in the active mode, the wireless network interface controller is in data communication with the remote server; determining a transmit time by the hardware processor based on the acquisition time interval, the transmit time determined by an elapsed time since an immediately prior transmission of data to the remote server; determining that the transmit time exceeds a transmit time interval by the hardware processor; responsive to determining that the transmit time exceeds the transmit time interval, transmitting the first dataset to the remote server; subsequent to transmitting the first dataset to the remote server, receiving the second low power command; and transitioning to low power mode after receiving the second low power command.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein, after measuring the first data point and before receiving the second wake command immediately prior to communicating first dataset to the remote server, the steps further comprising: transitioning to the active mode; performing a second data acquisition cycle, the second data acquisition cycle comprising the steps of: measuring, by the sensor, the local environmental condition; writing, to the memory, a second data point within the first dataset, the first data point associated with the first measurement of the local environmental condition; receiving the low power command; transitioning to the low power mode; and remaining in the low power mode until one or both the elapse of the acquisition time interval and a receipt of a wake command unrelated to the acquisition time interval.
 16. The method of claim 15, the steps further comprising: performing a plurality of data acquisition cycles to acquire and write to the memory a plurality of data points to a second dataset.
 17. The method of claim 16, the steps further comprising: receiving a third wake command upon the elapse of the transmit time interval, the transmit time interval governing the time between each data transmit cycle; and communicating the second dataset to the remote server and writing the second dataset to the main dataset recorded in the database associated with the remote server.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second wake command is triggered by one or more of the elapse of a time period and a command received from an external source via the wireless network interface controller.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the low power mode configurable as one or more of a sleep mode, a standby mode, a low power run mode, a low power sleep mode, and a stop mode.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein a thermostat is connected to the wireless local network, the steps further comprising: transmitting one or both of the first data point and the first dataset to the thermostat.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein a user device is in data communication with the wireless network interface controller, the steps further comprising: connecting the user device to the sensor device through the wireless local network or to the remote server; and receiving a command, from the user device, the command comprising one or both of a configuration and a firmware update.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the command further comprises the second wake command.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein the first dataset further comprises one or more of a unique sensor device name, a sensor device location, a data point collection time, a temperature data point, a light intensity data point, a light detection data point, a motion detection data point, a leak detection data point, a sound detection data point, and a humidity data point.
 24. The method of claim 14, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a leak sensor, a sound sensor, and a motion sensor.
 25. The method of claim 14, the steps further comprising: performing a firmware update check during the active mode when in data communication with the remote server, wherein the frequency of the firmware update check is determined by one or both of a firmware update interval and an update command received from the remote server or a user device. 